Tethered operations

Operating a drone in or near restricted airspace (such as near an airport) isn’t usually possible, unless you have an exemption from CASA. One of the ways to get an exemption is by using a tether to restrict the movement of the drone to a certain area. This avoids the expense and headaches of a permit application to CASA to fly in restricted airspace, and avoids the delays associated with the approval process. The approval from CASA to operate with a tether is not site-specific, and does not expire. In most of these cases, the tether does not need to provide power to the drone.

 

In applications requiring extended / continuous flight time, a powered tether can also be used, see “Continuous flying operations” in this section for more info on this.

 

CDS Differentiators:

• CDS already owns a (non-powered) tether, see CDS Resources

• Tethered drone operations section already incorporated into my Operations Manual (mandatory CASA requirement)

• If required, powered tethers are available via my Partner Network

• Direct experience in operating with a tether.

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